JUNE 5-16 | 41ST ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Jun 09, 2024
Joe Henderson Lab
Vocalist and pianist Kalil Amar Wilson has come so far since their mentorship in the Oakland Youth Chorus, now established as a magnetic and powerful performer who has shared the stage with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, Omara Portuondo, and Carlos Santana.
Born to music as the child of Nigerian bass great Babá Ken Okulolo, Wilson received a foundation in classical training at UCLA, but could not resist the draw of jazz, recording their 2009 debut album Easy to Love with the encouragement of jazz guitar legend Kenny Burrell. Consisting primarily of Wilson’s inimitable takes on beloved standards, the session inspired All About Jazz to say, “(their) deeply personal interpretation and polished delivery make this an exquisite and priceless debut record.”
Wilson has brought their vocal magic to performances around the world, from the Metropolitan Opera and the L.A.’s Disney Hall to Monterey and a tour of Russia. Their most recent album, Time Stops, is a mature statement by a self-assured artist, featuring a program of new material co-composed with pianist Dan Marschak.
The vocalist and pianist is a magnetic performer who has performed with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
A consummate musician with a sweet soul-steeped sound, a gift for melodically guided improvisation, and a knack for musical storytelling.
San Francisco Classical Voice
A consummate musician with a sweet soul-steeped sound, a gift for melodically guided improvisation, and a knack for musical storytelling.
San Francisco Classical Voice
Personnel
Kalil Amar Wilson piano, vocals
Noah Frank trumpet
Nora Free tenor saxophone
Alex Holloway bass
A very special young talent with a unique sound that crosses through genres
Kenny Burrell on Kalil Amar Wilson
Personnel
Kalil Amar Wilson piano, vocals
Noah Frank trumpet
Nora Free tenor saxophone
Alex Holloway bass
A very special young talent with a unique sound that crosses through genres
Kenny Burrell on Kalil Amar Wilson
Watch & Listen
Kalil Wilson
Time Stops
Kalil Wilson
dear to me
Kalil Wilson
Time Stops
Kalil Wilson
dear to me